Every time such a post circulates, it highlights how easily misinformation can spread on social media, particularly when it is packaged to look like a credible news report.
A claim has been going viral online alleging that the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government, led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, plans to ban the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during its ongoing Cabinet meeting. The claim to everyones disappointment, is false or, at the very least, unsupported by any credible evidence available so far. There has been no official announcement of such a proposal.
The claim circulated alongside a screenshot carrying what appeared to be an NDTV headline. A reverse image search or a basic search through NDTV's published reports raises questions about its authenticity. No matching NDTV report could be located to support the claim.
Social Media Accounts and the Spread of Misinformation
Social media user Dillip Aggarwal was among those accused of sharing the claim. When questioned in the comments about spreading misinformation, he reportedly defended himself by saying that he had taken the information from another user, identified as Vikram Singh X.
Passing on information from another account, which does not remove the responsibility to verify it before sharing it. The account attributed to Vikram Singh has also been criticised for posts. The user has reportedly not issued a clarification or responded to questions about the viral claim. While the same user has spread hate speech and derogatory remarks multiple times, including the latest where he posts derogatory remarks towards a Muslim reporter calling her "mulli," he also claims to be a member of the RSS in his bio.
What is even more frustrating is that when called out, Dilip responded saying, 'why would a staunch RSS member spread misinformation,' which ratioed the likes of users calling it fake.
A Fabricated Headline Built Around a Real Event
The misinformation appears to have been constructed by combining a real development with an invented claim. The TVK Cabinet did meet on October 29, but this was its third meeting since the government took office, not its second. The meeting dealt with industrial proposals, a social justice commission, a review petition concerning reservation for converted Muslims and other administrative matters.
There was no reported decision or proposal to ban the RSS. The use of an apparently fabricated NDTV headline gave the claim an additional layer of credibility, making it easier for people to believe and circulate.
While Vijay and the TVK have taken positions against the BJP on several political issues, that does not establish that the government intends to ban the RSS. The distinction between political opposition and an actual government decision is important.
The episode is another reminder that screenshots carrying the logos of established news organisations should not be treated as proof. Checking the original article, publication date and source can prevent fabricated headlines from becoming viral misinformation.
Comments